Preparing learning environments that foster problem solving is inherently going to offer opportunities for building emotional intelligence as infants and children, in context, will be exploring, talking, sharing, and considering many perspectives. Helping children obtain self-awareness and confidence is helping them develop introspection. This introspection prompts them to interact with the world while upholding a sense of enthusiasm and optimistic wonder: perfect ingredients for learning and developing. If we can consistently provide these types of environments for children, which Montessori programs do, children will have a much better chance of entering adulthood as alive and engaged individuals who see the universe as a safe place to explore.
